Guide Note

An earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter Scale struck off the coast of Peru on August 15, 2007. Although injuries and damages were incurred in many areas, those hardest hit were the towns of Chincha Alta, Ica and Pisco.

Fast Facts

1. The earthquake was centered approximately 100 miles southeast of Lima, the capital of Peru
2. 80,000 people were left homeless
3. An estimated 540 people were killed in the earthquake
4. More than 1,000 people were injured
5. More than 35,500 buildings were destroyed
6. Tsunami warnings in the area followed the quake
7. Peru has a history of severe earthquakes

Several Peruvian communities continued to be devastated as over a dozen aftershocks in the 5.0 range were felt for several days after the main quake. Over 600 tons of food, first aid supplies and clean water were quickly shipped to the victims of the earthquake, but several looting attempts led Peruvian President Alan Garcia to dispatch 1,200 soldiers to help maintain order. ¹